Hospitality businesses with an existing pavement licence can apply for a new free licence which can last up until 30 September 2022 from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).
Pavement licences, which were introduced in 2020 under the Business and Planning Act, were due to run until 30 September 2021. The government has now amended the legislation to allow for licences to run until 30 September 2022.
Businesses with existing pavement licences will need to reapply for a new licence to cover this extended period, but EHDC has decided to waive the £100 licence fee to support business recovery and encourage outdoor socialising, the safest way to meet with friends and family.
Councillor Ken Moon, portfolio holder for Economic Development at EHDC, said:
“Restrictions have now been lifted but many businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels of demand as people remain cautious about the risks of coronavirus.
“Making it easier for businesses to provide outdoor seating areas for their customers, where it is appropriate to do so, will help to contribute to their recovery.”